Named after the lion-hearted general of Shivaji - Tanaji Malusare, this awesome Fortress of the Lion stands at a height of 1290 metres, 25 kms. away from the city. Over 300 years ago, Tanaji, the Maratha warrior, and his army, with the help of ropes and giant lizards (ghorpuds), scaled the sheer precipice and silently stormed the Bijapur citadel at midnight. The ‘samadhi’ to Tanaji Malusare stands as a reminder of the bravery and glorious victory of the Marathas. On hearing of the passing away of Tanaji, Shivaji is believed to have said "We have gained the fort but lost the lion". Whereupon the fort got its name ‘Sinha (lion) gad (fort).' Courtesy of the India Tourism Board